We are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist , who is able to recognise and reflect upon personal and societal bias along a range of dimensions and differences. We are committed to increasing diversity within clinical psychology. As such, we welcome applications from people from backgrounds that are currently under-represented in the profession.
The successful applicant will be based in Maidstone but will be required to work at various sites across Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
You will work with multidisciplinary teams under the supervision of a qualified psychologist offering psychological assessment, psychological/psychosocial interventions and working independently according to a plan agreed with qualified staff. You will have the opportunity to be involved in providing individual and group work, working with carers and the wider team. You will be required to work 3 days a week, travelling between sites, attending meetings across Kent and, where necessary, undertaking home visits in a timely and efficient manner.
Please note these positions are only open to Psychology Graduates eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
You must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Need to understand and recognise the complexities when working with those with moderate to severe difficulties in the perinatal period
To know how to keep themselves safe and understand risk
Already be confident in carrying out psychological formulations, or you will be a quick learner when it comes to picking up such skills, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist/psychotherapist.
Be a person who enjoys working in teams with other professional groups and values the contribution that other professionals bring
Have strong organisational, time management and professional communication/writing skills.
Demonstrate the ability to engage with a wide variety of service users, their family members and multidisciplinary staff.
Bring a positive and flexible approach to your work.
We realise it can be difficult to embark on careers in psychological professions and we hope that by offering these posts, psychology graduates will have the opportunity to gain a wealth of valuable and relevant professional experience, to support career progression in the psychological professions. In these roles you will learn skills and gain experience which we hope will help support your career progression.
We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD.
Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve.
Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It’s why we’re passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that’s working well together.
You will work as part of the Perinatal Mental Health Community Service, enhancing the provision of psychological approaches for pregnant and antenatal mothers and birthing people.
The role will will include liaison with the wider team in the North and East through fortnightly meetings. There will be a requirement to work on psychological formulations, as well as individual and group therapeutic work. There will also be opportunities to work with families, colleagues from other professional backgrounds and external agencies.
There will be opportunities to contribute to service evaluation and audit projects. You will benefit from high quality clinical and managerial supervision. Participation in a range of available CPD activities, as well as peer support, will be encouraged.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team, which includes clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, consultant psychiatrists, social workers, peer support workers, occupational therapy assistants and and psychology placement students.
This is a varied and busy post, which will provide you with opportunities to learn and develop invaluable skills, both clinically and organisationally. We have a good track record of previous Assistant Psychologists gaining places on the Clinical Psychology doctorate courses after their posts with us.
Please refer to the attached job description for full details and main responsibilities of the role.
